I owe much of my creative journey to the open-ended play my parents encouraged. With just blocks or big sheet of paper, the possibilities felt endless. Inspired by that spirit of imagination, I collaborated with a team of Cal Poly packaging students to create Smiling Dino, a snack brand designed to promote both healthy eating and playful engagement. I led the package design and brand identity, while my teammates focused on structural design and materials. The final product features three dinosaur-themed variations, each tailored to a specific snack, blending functionality and fun to captivate young audiences.

I interviewed Betsy Irving, owner of Arts Aloft and my former employer, to gather insights into children’s snack habits. Arts Aloft, a children's art studio for ages 4–12, runs summer camps from 9 AM to 1 PM. She shared insights on favorite snacks, tricky packaging, engaging activities, and popular themes.